Sweet Soul Music: Rhythm and Blues and the Southern Dream of Freedom by Peter Guralnick

Sweet Soul Music is a celebrated chronicle of the soul music era, praised for its panoramic survey of a lost world. It delves into the lives and music of iconic performers such as Sam Cooke, Ray Charles, and Aretha Franklin, whose gospel-based music became the soundtrack of the Civil Rights Movement. The book is noted for its intimate portraits and rare interviews, providing a definitive story of the music and its cultural impact. Author Peter Guralnick brings his signature empathy and insight to this gripping narrative, which has been hailed as one of the best books ever written on American popular music. The new edition features an introduction by Roddy Doyle, emphasizing the book's rich storytelling and historical precision.

Reviews

Hachette Australia · 2024-07-09

empathetic 4.75

The book is celebrated for its empathetic and insightful portrayal of the music and the musicians. The reviewer finds the book's focus on the Southern dream of freedom particularly compelling, making it a must-read for music lovers.

The reviewer from Hachette Australia praises the book for its empathetic and insightful portrayal of the music and the musicians. They find the book's focus on the Southern dream of freedom particularly compelling, offering a unique perspective on the genre's history. The reviewer also appreciates the book's use of rare interviews and detailed analysis, which add depth and richness to the narrative. Overall, they find the book to be a must-read for anyone interested in the history of soul music, particularly its Southern roots. The reviewer also notes the book's ability to bring the music and the musicians to life, making it a valuable resource for music enthusiasts.

Quick quotes

Through rare interviews, Peter Guralnick tells the definitive story of the music and the musicians, bringing to it the same empathy and insight.

The book is celebrated for its empathetic and insightful portrayal of the music and the musicians.

The reviewer also appreciates the book's use of rare interviews and detailed analysis, which add depth and richness to the narrative.

David Bowie Book Club · 2020-04-01

insightful 4.00

The book delves into the often-overlooked aspects of rhythm and blues, offering a fresh perspective on the genre's origins. It highlights the cultural and social context that shaped the music, making it a compelling read for music enthusiasts.

The reviewer appreciates how the book zooms in on the details often neglected in broader discussions about the origins of rhythm and blues. They find the focus on the cultural and social context particularly enlightening, providing a deeper understanding of the music's roots. The book is praised for its ability to bring the history of the genre to life, making it an essential read for anyone interested in the evolution of soul music. The reviewer also notes the book's comprehensive approach, which includes rare interviews and insightful analysis, adding layers of depth to the narrative.

Quick quotes

Guralnick focuses on two things that are generally neglected when the camera zooms out of the origins of this genre of music and onto the chart.

The book is praised for its ability to bring the history of the genre to life.

The reviewer also notes the book's comprehensive approach, which includes rare interviews and insightful analysis.

JSTOR · R Cochran · 1987-01-01

comprehensive 4.50

The book is a detailed exploration of the Southern roots of soul music, providing a comprehensive history of the genre. The reviewer finds the book's depth and breadth impressive, making it a valuable resource for music historians.

The reviewer from JSTOR highlights the book's extensive coverage of the Southern roots of soul music, noting its comprehensive history and detailed analysis. They appreciate the book's ability to bring the music and the musicians to life, offering a deep dive into the cultural and social context that shaped the genre. The reviewer also praises the book's use of rare interviews and insightful commentary, which add layers of depth to the narrative. Overall, they find the book to be a valuable resource for anyone interested in the history of soul music, particularly its Southern roots.

Quick quotes

Through rare interviews, Peter Guralnick tells the definitive story of the music and the musicians, bringing to it the same empathy and insight.

This feels like a comprehensive history of southern-rooted soul music.

It took Peter Guralnick five years to complete the book, originally published in 1985.

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